Okay-

But I am still in reseach of those who were non-drinkings pre-wls. Am I the only one? Was such a non issue before surgery for me. ANY ONE else? Or am I alone?

I am sure you are not alone. Does it really matter? What matters now is replacing one substance with another to give you the ease and comfort that you seek. If you always pinched pennies and now spent money like a crazy fool and were getting into financial trouble would it matter that you did not waste money pre op? No because the problem today is what you are abusing today. You chose alcohol. Now it is the problem. I have had many addictions over the years and many years when I did not use alcohol or meds but I was still an addict just waiting to find another new way to act out. The key is looking at the similarities not the differences. Trust me you WILL find differences! We are all individuals. Addiction is a disease of feelings and emotions. Using substances to "cope" with them is a symptom. Hugs, Laurie